$20 million asset milestone reached by Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation

The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation has surpassed $20 million in total assets.

The milestone came this year after $2.6 million in contributions came in last year, according to a news release from the foundation.

“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in our history. The fact that we have doubled our assets in just seven years speaks volumes about the generosity in our community, and the commitment that Isabella County residents are making to future generations,” said President Jill Bourland.

Community foundations like Mt. Pleasant’s bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective charitable organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people in a particular geographic area.

It works to meet the charitable goals of donors as well as the most pressing needs in Isabella County.

“We work with families, attorneys, and other professional advisors on gifts which maximize benefits for donors and critical organizations in Isabella County,” said Development Chair Jan Strickler.

Individuals and groups may contribute any amount of money to a fund through the foundation, and the foundation invests gifts for growth and income, using a portion to make grants in the community based on donor wishes and identified community needs.

Since its inception in 1990, the foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in grants through its community impact, field-of-interest, donor advised, organization and scholarship endowment funds - all while maintaining the value of every gift ever given to the foundation.

“We are proud to have reached the $20 million mark, but we are not stopping there,” said Executive Director Amanda Schafer. “Over the next 40 years, the estimated transfer of wealth from one generation to the next in Isabella County is approximately $4 billion. We want to keep that money local.”

For example, she said if just 5 percent of that $ billion projected transfer was designated for charities in our area, $200 million would be retained for people who live, work, and learn in the Mt. Pleasant community.

“If that $200 million was endowed with the (Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation), we could make $10 million available for area nonprofits every single year,” Schafer said.

Many local organizations, such as Listening Ear, Women’s Aid, Art Reach, and Beal City Public Schools have funds with the foundation, providing education, human services, health, recreation and youth development, for example.

“More and more, we are focusing on our role as a community leader—convening residents around local issues, educating one another on community needs, and building partnerships to make the greatest impact possible,” said President Bob Long.

While the foundation’s financial assets have grown, so too has momentum and the willingness to cultivate bold solutions to improve the quality of life for all in Isabella County.

“We want to thank donors, volunteers, and our partner organizations who are a force for good in our community,” said Marcie Otteman Grawburg. Community Relations Chair. “And, we invite them to help us look for new and creative approaches, perspectives, and ideas to address what matters most to the people and community we serve.”